Maldives to award development of five new domestic airports

Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer speaks at inauguration of the annual meeting of the Heads of Missions of the Maldives. PHOTO: NISHAN ALI/MIHAARU

The government on Wednesday announced that it will soon award projects to develop five new airports in the Maldives.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the annual meeting of Heads of Missions of the Maldives held at Hotel Jen in capital Male, Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer stated that development of domestic airports across the archipelago is a key objective of President Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

The minister announced that the state will soon sign agreements to award development of five new airports but did not elaborate on their allocated locations.

The government has already awarded development of five domestic airports in the islands of Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaal atoll, Funadhoo in Shaviyani atoll, Nilandhoo in Faafu atoll, and Maavaarulu and Faresmaathodaa in Gaafu Dhaal atoll to Gryphon Energy Corporation of Malaysia. According to the state, their development costs total USD 57.7 million.

Tourism Minister Zameer stressed the government’s efforts to promote the Maldives’ tourism and increase tourist arrivals. He praised President Yameen’s policies and projects to facilitate better living for the people.

“The Maldives is renowned as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Tourism has endured over the past 44 years due to the nation’s longstanding One Island, One Resort concept, which is rarely seen in other countries,” he said.

Noting the fast progressing industry of local guesthouse tourism across the archipelago, the minister also announced that the government is looking to hold a forum to bring in more investments for the southernmost atoll of Addu.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamed Asim proclaimed that more foreign opportunities and investments are necessary to realise the dreams of the people. He urged everyone to work for the same goal in order to achieve the Maldives’ foreign policy.

Foreign Minister Asim further announced that the Maldives, which has completed two terms on the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, will vie for another term. He also revealed that the island nation is looking to run for a chair on the UN Security Council.